Psychological Explanations: Eysenks theory

Question 1

General Personality Theory

Answer 1

Eysenck Proposed that behvaiour could be represented along two dimensions:
Introversion/ extraversion (E)
Neuroticism/stability (N)

These dimensions combine to form a variety of personality characteristics or traits. Eysenk later added a third dimension - Psychoticism (P)

Question 2

Biological basis of personality

Answer 2

Our personality traits are biological and come about the type of nervous system we inherit. Therefore all personality are innate.

Question 3

Extraverts

Answer 3

Have an underactive nervous system which means they constantly seek, excitement, stimulation and are likely to engage in risk taking behaviour.

Question 4

Neurotics

Answer 4

Tend to be nervous, jumpy and over anxious and their general instability means their behaviour is often difficult to predict

Question 5

Criminal personality

Answer 5

Criminal personality type is neurotic extravert. Typical offenders will score highly on measures of psychoticism. (cold, unemotional and prone to aggression.)

Question 6

Role of socialisation

Answer 6

Personality is linked to criminal behaviour via socialisation processes. Children are to become more able to delay gratification and more socially oriented. Eysenck believed that people with high E and N scores had nervous systems that made them difficult to condition.

Question 7

How does having a underactive Nervous System lead to crime.

Answer 7

Can not respond to antisocial impulses with anxiety. Consequently they would be more likely to act antisocially in certain situations.

Question 8

Measuring the criminal personality

Answer 8

Eysenck developed the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) which is a psychological test which locates respondents along the E and N dimensions to determine their personality type.